Ferrari Meera S: Michelotti’s Final Masterpiece on Wheels
Radical Romance - In the golden era of automotive design, when creativity met cutting-edge technology, some cars were made not just to be driven—but to tell a story. Among those rare gems is the fascinating Ferrari 400i Meera S, a one-of-a-kind sports car that stands as both a symbol of passion and an expression of bold individuality. In a time when most vehicles followed rules, this car proudly broke them.
Built in 1982, the Meera S is not your everyday Ferrari. It was created by the legendary Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti, whose name is synonymous with some of the most elegant coachbuilt automobiles in history. But this wasn’t just another design exercise—this Ferrari was special, built at the request of Prince Saoud, the son of the King of Arabia, as a tribute to his fiancée. The result was a car that married romance with innovation, luxury with experimentation.
Front view of 1983 Ferrari Meera S by Michelotti. (Picture from: Italian.Sakura.ne.jp)
Underneath its futuristic skin, the Meera S is based on the Ferrari 400i. But don't let that fool you—it’s far from standard. The exterior design is strikingly unconventional, even today. From the images, the Meera S displays bold, angular lines with a wedge-like silhouette typical of early 80s Italian design language. The front fascia features an unusually flat hood and slim grille, with wide pop-up headlights that hint at Ferrari DNA, but the overall execution is completely unique. From the side, the car carries a low-slung roofline with squared-off rear glass panels, while the rear end boasts sharply cut lines and an almost geometric tail.
Left side view of 1983 Ferrari Meera S by Michelotti. (Picture from: Italian.Sakura.ne.jp)
But it wasn’t just the look that set it apart—it was what it could do. The Meera S came loaded with futuristic features rarely seen at the time. Four windshield wipers—yes, four—were mounted across the front, side, and rear glass. A TV camera replaced the traditional rearview mirror, offering a glimpse into what would become modern car tech decades later. It even had a built-in radar system, along with dual air conditioning, an electric sunroof, and a premium sound system. The dashboard was something out of a sci-fi movie, dubbed the “space age” instrument cluster, and crafted by Michelotti Technica with tech-forward ambitions in mind.
Right side view of 1983 Ferrari Meera S by Michelotti. (Picture from: Italian.Sakura.ne.jp)
Powering this forward-thinking machine was Ferrari’s iconic 4.8-liter V12 engine, capable of producing 340 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and a peak torque of 392 Nm at 4,200 rpm. Mated to a 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission, the Meera S could hit speeds up to 230 km/h (143 mph). Despite its luxury-focused features and 1,800 kg weight, it offered serious performance. The suspension system—independent all around with double wishbones and coil springs—ensured that the Meera S was not just about show, but also about driving comfort and stability.
Dashboard view of 1983 Ferrari Meera S by Michelotti. (Picture from: RonSusser)
Dimension-wise, the car is long and elegant, measuring 4,810 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,315 mm in height, riding on a 2,700 mm wheelbase. These proportions, combined with its unique styling cues, make it instantly recognizable and impossible to confuse with any other Ferrari ever made.
Rear side view of 1983 Ferrari Meera S by Michelotti. (Picture from: Italian.Sakura.ne.jp)
The Meera S holds a special place in the legacy of Ferrari and Giovanni Michelotti. Not only was it one of the most original special builds of the early 1980s, but it was also the last Ferrari designed by Michelotti before his passing in January 1980. That makes this car more than just a one-off—it’s a rolling tribute, not only to a royal love story but also to the swan song of a designer who helped shape the look of an era.
The Ferrari Meera S isn’t just rare—it’s nearly mythical. A perfect example of how emotion, imagination, and engineering came together at a time when cars weren’t just machines—they were dreams sculpted in metal. *** [EKA [22112015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FERRARILIFE | RONSUSSER | ITALIAN.SAKURA.NE.JP | ID.MOTOR1 ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Ferrari Meera S: Michelotti’s Final Masterpiece on Wheels
Dimension-wise, the car is long and elegant, measuring 4,810 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,315 mm in height, riding on a 2,700 mm wheelbase. These proportions, combined with its unique styling cues, make it instantly recognizable and impossible to confuse with any other Ferrari ever made.
he Meera S holds a special place in the legacy of Ferrari and Giovanni Michelotti. Not only was it one of the most original special builds of the early 1980s, but it was also the last Ferrari designed by Michelotti before his passing in January 1980. That makes this car more than just a one-off—it’s a rolling tribute, not only to a royal love story but also to the swan song of a designer who helped shape the look of an era. 
